Dhaka: The measles outbreak in Bangladesh has claimed at least 11 more lives, pushing the total number of confirmed and suspected deaths linked to the disease to 409, according to health officials.

Data released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) showed that the deaths were recorded during the 24-hour period leading up to Sunday.

Thousands of Suspected Cases Reported

According to the DGHS, four people died from confirmed measles infections, taking the total confirmed deaths since March 15 to 65. Another seven deaths linked to suspected measles cases raised the suspected death toll to 344.

During the same period, authorities recorded 1,503 new suspected measles cases, taking the overall number of suspected patients to 49,159 since mid-March. Among them, 205 cases were laboratory confirmed, pushing the confirmed case count to 6,819.

Officials said more than 34,000 patients with measles symptoms have been admitted to hospitals across the country since the outbreak began.

Concerns Over Vaccination System Collapse

The worsening outbreak has sparked criticism over Bangladesh’s vaccine management system. Local reports described the crisis as an “avoidable disaster” and raised concerns over the dismantling of a long-running vaccine procurement programme.

According to reports, Bangladesh’s Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Programme, which had been operational since 1998, was discontinued in March 2025 without an effective replacement plan.

Experts and editorial reports claimed that disruptions in vaccine procurement, shortages of medicines at community clinics, and depleted emergency stockpiles contributed to the rapid spread of the disease.

Calls for Accountability

The outbreak has intensified calls for accountability from the previous interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.

Critics alleged that the government dismantled a functioning immunisation system without ensuring alternative arrangements, leading to serious public health consequences.

Health experts continue to stress the importance of urgent vaccination drives, medical support, and awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak and prevent further fatalities.